Choosing web hosting is to most merely a means to an end. A dull process of technical mumbo jumbo – a simple necessity to launch an inspiring new web design or dynamic website. But as we all are dependent on hosting and deal with our own practically every day, it seems only right to explore its inspirational span and creative potentials.

There are many ways to build a website, dozens of script languages to use, different CSS standards and all with their own pros and cons. But if you are looking for creative freedom and an optimal inspirational atmosphere it comes down to three components; Linux operative system, PHP script language and a dedicated server. All three that can be prompted for when choosing web hosting.

On your terms – Linux operative system
This might sound uninspiring but in an industry where customers often are assumed incapable of self-maintenance, the more freedom you have and space to create your own the better. The Linux operative system is based on the concept Open Source where all source code is modifiable by the user. Total control and no restrictions or technical limitations – unless you say so. Most web hosts offer the option to choose between Windows, Linux or other operative systems installed on their servers. But to get desired developing freedom you need also to choose a certain hosting type.

Creative freedom – Dedicated server
A dedicated server equals all the freedom you can get when picking web hosting. The only other option that comes close is running an own home server. But if you can live with spending a few dollars you can get a dedicated server at a web hosting company with included Linux operative system. Now you will have total control to modify the system to meet your needs and creative framework.

Dynamic programming – PHP
PHP short for Hypertext Preprocessor is the most recent scripting language to take the world by storm. Embeddable into HTML, using css stylesheets and a simple frameset has allowed PHP to become the one common website language at the moment. Blending the basic structure of good ‘ole html and the possibilities of many dynamic preferences, PHP is a leading part of Web design 2.0.

If you include these three elements in your hosting deal you will perhaps not feel the instant gratification or the flow of inspiration. However, a dedicated server, linux and PHP will form a stable platform for any web designer. Now you will be able to set up the most innovative and unique websites, not only graphically but also technically. This is true liberated hosting and if this does not fuel your creativity, ask any hosting customer and they’ll give you a glimpse of just how complicated website hosting can be.

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About the Author

Brian is a dedicated geek for websites and loves to help people be passionate about websites and designing. His blog on Web Hosting Search, Brian’s Hosting blog, is about designing, random bits, and of course website hosting.

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Hey Ryan. That’s a great question. We actually don’t work with the largest web hosting providers like MT at the moment. We have chosen to work with small-medium businesses (though not those freaky fly by night operations) since they cater more towards very small shared sites.

We are also expanding our list to include some of the famous guns (Slicehost and Dreamhost) in the upcoming months.

And thanks to Adelle who allowed us at WHS to post! You go girl! (okay…I’m lame, i’ll stop now…)

I’m not a regular visitor here–you’ve made it to the front page of DZone.com, congratulations! –but may I suggest NearlyFreeSpeech?http://www.nearlyfreespeech.net

I am not affiliated with them, but I have been using for hosting for a good year now and love it. Great for minimalistic websites and very cheap. You only pay for what you use, $1/GB (and the average cost per GB actually decreases as you use more) and $1/32 MB storage per month. The support team is wonderful and they are very open about server issues and DDoS downtimes–even if it only affects a few sites. It uses FreeBSD, similar to Linux but more secure. No cPanel, but there is a member control panel, ssh, and sftp access and more.

Check them out if you’re looking to review small/mid-sized hosting.

Downside: No https capability due to IP allocation restrictions. But most small/mid-sized hosting wouldn’t require it anyway.

This article is misleading, you don’t need a dedicated sever to simply host a site or as the article puts it “creative freedom and an optimal inspirational atmosphere”.. I assume all the author intended from this post was to stuff keyowrds/links, in this case, well done.

It is so hard to find a good host…I think I must have been though a zillion hosts. I have my sites on a dedicated server and I finally found a server that puts customer service first. If I am allowed to say so, I use WiredTree. I like that they are honest. For example, If the server is slow or something and I ask if I should upgrade something on the server, they will tell me ‘no’ even though they would make more money if I upgraded. Instead they try to fix the problem. Best server company ever.

Hi James!
I understand your distrust and fully respect your opinion. However, when it comes to creative freedom without limitations (including technology) I firmly believe that these three components will give you that.

Now, naturally a small Wordpress blog may not necessarily require an entire server for itself and can run on Windows as well as Linux. However, in reference to the grand creative potential in web design and web development today, Linux and PHP is the future; Web 2.0 in a nut shell.

That’s my true opinion, now I can just hope you’ll respect it :-) rather than turning on conpiracy theories ;-)